Common Conditions
Neck Pain
Is it hard to look over your shoulder? Is there a constant throbbing in your neck?
Do you notice a “grinding sound as you turn your head?
Sounds like it’s time for a chiropractic examination!
Most people today, when experiencing neck pain, will reach for painkillers while
others for heat packs or maybe have a massage . But hold on… neck pain isn’t caused from a lack of painkillers or medication. Right?
Biomechanical disorders of the bony structures of the neck related to stress, strains and
sprains of the surrounding soft tissues of the spine are the most common cause of
stiffness, loss of mobility and neck pain. So how do these biomechanical disorders
happen? Sitting in front of the computer for long periods, poor posture at your desk or
while driving and lifting can trigger these strains and sprains. Injuries such as contusions
and tearing of the muscles, ligaments and tendons or even fractures of the vertebrae
can occur in severe cases. In addition to the above causes, the process of degeneration
in the neck affects joints and soft tissues causing arthritis, facet syndrome and narrowing
of the channels for the nerves of the spinal cord.
Through a thorough examination, chiropractic is able to locate the underlying cause of
the neck pain. Using x-rays, the chiropractor can also determine how bad the posture of
the neck is by seeing a decrease in your neck curve, which is vital for the proper
functioning on the neck.
Chiropractic adjustments help improve the motion and
positioning of spinal vertebrae in the neck. With improved structure and function, neck pain often diminishes or totally disappears without the use of drugs and harmful side effects.
How to beat neck pain
1. Keep good posture
2. Change the ergonomics at work
3. Regularly take stretch breaks while in front of the computer
4. Do not sleep on your stomach
5. Do not hold your phone to your ear with your shoulder
6. Try not to carry heavy bags on the back (especially children)
Did you know that humans, giraffes and Flamingos have 7 bones in their necks? In a
giraffe the bones are so large and there is obviously no curve in the neck. This is why the giraffe
has such a limited bend when drinking water at the watering hole. The flamingo on the
other hand has a couple of curves in its neck allowing it to twist and turn its head in a
complete circle. Humans on the other hand have a single C shaped curve which allows
us to move in every direction and look over both shoulders. So what do you think occurs
when over time our neck loses its C shape? It may be time to make that appointment
and prevent neck pain from getting worse!
